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Stray cat strut

In countries where there are lots of stray cats and dogs, many are in poor condition, especially compared with the truly wild animals that live in the same places. Why is this? The battle for survival must be incredibly tough for all these animals. Is it because feral domesticated animals can somehow live on in poor health through their association with humans, whereas nature would ruthlessly pick off any weaklings in the wild animal population?

• Well-adapted feral populations may thrive: consider dromedaries in Australia, pigs in North America and city pigeons. Natural selection never sleeps, so feral populations such …